[Bikes]

KTM Reveals 790 Adventure Model

3 months ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: KTM Images

Twelve months ago when KTM unveiled a prototype of their new 790 Duke at Italy’s EICMA show, it prompted a torrent of speculation about other KTM models that this 799cc parallel twin ‘LC8c’ powerplant would subsequently appear in. Then, after a raft of spy images of a new KTM Adventure bike (with what looked like a parallel twin donk) started appearing on the Net, expectations for the release of an all-new 790cc Adventure R went into overdrive. And why wouldn’t they? The adventure bike market has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, and many of the segment’s players have been scrambling to produce a lighter, more manageable and more affordable ‘mid-capacity’ version of their ‘maxi-enduro/travel’ machines.

Admittedly, talk of the 790 Adv R’s imminent arrival may have been a tad premature, but KTM HQ hasn’t exactly been throwing cold water on the rumours. And KTM’s Peter Perberschlager all but admitted to the new 790 Adventure R model in an interview with Transmoto during his trip to Oz earlier this year, saying, “Our new 790cc engine platform may well inspire all-new models in other segments as well, KTM’s Adventure models included”.

So, now that the prototype’s unveiling at EICMA has confirmed the existence of the all-new 790 Adventure R, how is KTM pitching/positioning the new model? Here’s an insight, courtesy of the Austrian brand’s just-released edit (where the 790 Adv R goes back-to-back with KTM’s 450 Rally), and their post-EICMA press release…

The KTM 790 Adventure R prototype fully embraces the Austrian company’s Ready to Race philosophy. With its high dashboard tower, single seat, tiny LED lights and low-slung fuel tanks, the KTM 790 Adventure R is clearly inspired by the KTM Rally machines that dominate competition the world over. The LC8c punches hard from inside its lightweight and extremely rugged chassis, complete with top-quality WP Suspension components front and rear. Naturally, a production version of this would come with the very best electronic rider assistance package too.

And according to KTM’s CSO (Chief Sales Officer), Mr Hubert Trunkenpolz, “We aimed to design the most performance-focused, mid-weight travel enduro of its class, with the dynamism of much bigger engine machines, by giving it a leading power-to-weight ratio. The KTM 790 Adventure R prototype is built from a pure off-road obsession. KTM is the market leader in the dirt; our heritage in this field is something no other motorcycle brand can easily copy and this is another exciting indication of the future.”

KTM has not yet confirmed exactly when the 790 Adventure R will go into production, but our European sources suggest they’ll be available to the public by early 2019. And judging by the new machine’s good looks the overwhelmingly positive response it has received across social media channels, the thing is likely to be in high demand.